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Zynthian is an Open Synth Platform: An Open Hardware device (currently based on Raspberry Pi) running ZynthianOS, a customized Linux distribution (currently Raspbian-based), specifically configured and adapted for audio synthesis & processing. ZynthianOS runs the physical UI (display + rotary encoders + switches), that allows you to create up to 16 sound layers (synthesis+processing audio chains) using a large collection of synthesis engines and audio-processing plugins, most of them Free Software along with some commercial ones. A freshly added step sequencer with arranger function is also available.
Zynthian provides a foundation to explore music the way you want to. Some use cases:
- Using MOD UI plugins Zynthian becomes an in-depth multi-fx unit for guitar players, SooperLooper enables live looping and overdubbing
- For those who prefer keys, plug in your favourite midi controller keyboard and explore any of the circa 60 synth engines available
- Plug in your hardware midi sequencer(s) to control up to 16 chains of audio with FX, assign parameters to your device and tweak to your heart's content
- For sound explorers: create your own patches with one or more instruments (chains) and save them for later using snapshots
- Record the audio and midi of your performances with immediate access to files via the web interface
- Compose your totally un-cheesy backing tracks using the built-in sequencer and arranger functions to support your live performance and launch with midi controller
Building a ZynthianBox is not difficult and relatively inexpensive, varying from 100 to 500 €, depending on the chosen components. You can:
- Buy your hardware kit (current V5 model pictured), or just some parts, in the Zynthian Shop, or
- Build everything from scratch using the publicly available documentation. You’ll be able to go from a totally headless system to an integrated instrument with your midi keyboard.
- You can also try Zynthian’s software with only a Raspberry Pi, a HDMI display and a USB mouse.
Zynthian is a working project in active development and supported by volunteers. While best efforts are made, this wiki may not match the current state of the software. To catch up on the latest, check in at the active and friendly Forum
1 Getting Started with Zynthian
- Building a Zynthian Box
- Getting the Software
- User's Guide
- Updating the Software
- Remote Access & Control
- FAQ
2 Explore Zynthian
3 Zynthian Project
NOTE: Registering new users has been disabled for security/spam reasons. If you want to contribute to this Wiki, please ask in the forum.
4 Recent Changes
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14:53 | SetBfree 3 changes history +802 [Riban; Jlearman (2×)] | |||
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14:53 (cur | prev) +23 Riban talk contribs →Presets Behave Differently | ||||
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12:52 (cur | prev) -45 Jlearman talk contribs Described how presets for SetBFree differ from the usual. Tried to add a picture of a B3 but it's not working. | ||||
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12:42 (cur | prev) +776 Jlearman talk contribs Explained difference in preset behavior for SetBFree, and added a picture of a Hammond B3 from Wikipedia. | ||||
| 12:35 | Upload log Jlearman talk contribs uploaded File:Hammond B3, Museum of Making Music (without warning board).jpg (By Hammond B3, Museum of Making Music.jpg: doryfourderived work: clusternote - This file was derived from: Hammond B3, Museum of Making Music.jpg, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=58360861) | ||||
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| 17:18 | Sound Fonts diffhist -131 Jlearman talk contribs documented zynthian-data as well as zynthian-my-data | ||||
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15:50 | Refactoring Zynthians factory soundfont library 2 changes history +72 [Jlearman (2×)] | |||
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15:50 (cur | prev) +87 Jlearman talk contribs →Candidates: List of top contenders per category: added trumpet, soul brass trio | ||||
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15:20 (cur | prev) -15 Jlearman talk contribs →Candidates: List of top contenders per category: added size column, renamed "secondary" to "webconf package" | ||||
22 March 2026
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20:26 | SooperLooper 2 changes history +846 [Niels (2×)] | |||
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20:26 (cur | prev) +47 Niels talk contribs →MIDI CC to selected loop | ||||
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16:26 (cur | prev) +799 Niels talk contribs →Single Pedal Mode | ||||
21 March 2026
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N 18:21 | SooperLooper 2 changes history +2,299 [Riban (2×)] | |||
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18:21 (cur | prev) +168 Riban talk contribs →How to get started | ||||
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18:15 (cur | prev) +2,131 Riban talk contribs Create initial SooperLooper page with brief intro and a description of single pedal mode | |||
| 18:05 | Upload log Riban talk contribs uploaded File:Sooperlooper initial.png | ||||
| 17:51 | Zynthian Users Guide diffhist +154 Riban talk contribs →Engines/Plugin Specific Guides | ||||
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